Looking back on it all, there wasn't really a massive standout anime this summer. Overall, it was a weak season. Still, I got enjoyment talking about the shows with /a/, and I'm nevertheless looking forward to the Fall season which should start in a week or two.

Figure 1 Midnight Punch, Episode 12

The final title card of Mayonaka Punch.

Episode 12, and the finale of the second PA Works yuribait show airing this season, Midnight Punch begins with the Mayonakas telling their livestream they're vampires and if they don't get 1,000,000 subs they'll be erased. The vampire hunters arrive for a game of "tag", but their livestream viewers think it's all an elaborate (very interesting) joke. Tokage gets caught first. Fuu attempts to take down another hunter, but gets caught. Ichiko is about to get caught and Masaki rushes in to save her. Yuki gets capture next, and Ichiko, gravely wounded, tells Masaki she doesn't want Mayopan to end, and goes to sleep. Masaki, distraught by her situation along with negative comments in her chat, decides to fight back. She joins the livestream and begins fighting the vampire hunters. Other YouTubers catch on and begin retweeting her game, and her viewcount rises. Eventually, she gets cornered on the roof just as she hits 1,000,000 subs.

She tells Live, if she's watching, to make a meal out of her now they she's reached 1,000,000 subs, and jumps off the roof. The vampire hunter, who was Live in disguise, rescues her. At the ground, the hunters reveal themselves as other YouTube content creators in on the ruse, and announce Masaki got pranked. Enraged, she punches Live in the face. In a post-credits scene, Yuki apologizes to Mother for revealing they're vampires. Live goes outside and during the day and burns. Masaki, as a child, saves her by letting her drink her blood. Masaki tells her she'll consider letting her drink her blood.

Figure 2 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 12

PomPoms and Hawk Wings executing their previosly failed trick after school.

Episode 12 of the bizarre wild ride that has been Narenare: Cheer for You! begins with the PomPoms wondering where Mari-senpai went. Her classmates wonder the same. Megumi tells Kanata it may be because she can fly again. Mari resigned from the club, and the president, Noi, tells everyone to respect her wishes. After some insistence, however, she relents and takes Kanata to Mari's place. The tell Mari to rejoin the club, but she refuses. Noi tells Mari she's responsible for the accident because she began demanding more complicated moves after they won nationals. Hana and Hi arrive and beg her not to quit. She tells them, like Kanata, she has the twisites. She won't be going to All Japan. Instead, she'll continue to cheer with PomPoms. PomPoms work together to make a cheering song for Mari. The next day she tells then she wants to repeat their failed trick. Mari and the others go to school after it closes to reattempt the trick—a complicated toss. They do it and everyone celebrates. Afterwards, Obunai tells everyone she's quiting PomPoms to do idol work in Tokyo. They all tell her they'll support her. Together, they make one final video to post to their channel: "Eternal PomPoms".

Figure 3 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 24

A2 prepares to stop 9S's logic virus.

Episode 24, and the finale of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, begins with the fight between A2 and 9S. 9S has been fully contaminated by the logic virus. A2 activates berserker mode and gravely wounds 9S, but 9S is able to hack into A2's memories and begins to taunt her about her past—about the allies she failed to protect. A2 resists the attack. She tells 9S that her allies wanted her to live, and he will carry their memories with her. The machine consciousness approaches A2 and tells her they no longer wish to fight. Instead, they will seal their memories and leave Earth forever. A2 orders her pod to save 9S.

In a post credits scene the pods carry 9S over City Ruins. A voice announces to all Pods that they will soon begin the final stage of Project YoRHa: deleting and destroying any residual Pods on Earth. 9S's Pod is surrounded by other pods that try to dispose of him, and he fights while A2's pod uses a satellite laser target system to annihilate the pods around him. They rebuild 9B and 9S. Together, they reactivate on a roof. 2B tells "Nines" good morning. Another machine rebuilds A2.

Figure 4 Failure Frame, Episode 12

Touka and the others arrive in the Witch's domain.

Episode 12, and the finale of Failure Frame with no hopes of season 2, begins with Eve speaking with the humans apologizing to Eve for attacking her, then departing. Touka continues his fight against the stampede and eventually gets a respite after reaching level 2000. Eve arrives, informs Touka she met his classmates, and carries him back to Lis and Seras. Seras treats their wounds, and warns Touka not to try to win every fight by himself. After he falls asleep, she kisses him. The next day they arrive at the Witch's territory. Touka uses his immense magic to break her seal and finally meets The Witch of Taboos, Erica Anaorovael. And the credits roll. No season 2 announcement. Ugh.

Figure 5 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 11

Will uses Sion's magic to enchant his sword.

Episode 11 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword begins immediately with the fight against the Evil Grand Duke. Will orders a retreat, however the Grand Duke orders all nearby monsters to pursue them. Will tells them their only choice is to defeat the Grand Duke to break the chain of command. They all agree. They begin with a sequence of mirror images to allow Julius to complete a long incantation, but the monster blocks his ultimate attack. Lihanna follows up with another attack, but it too is blocked. Will's glasses, Elfies goggles, are destroyed when the Evil Duke counters, sending Will into despair. Lihanna tells the others to save themselves—she'll hold the Duke back. But they refuse and continue to fight. Will drops his weapon as a feint and Colette summons a magic sword that he uses to cut its wings, allowing Sion to land an attack that wounds, but doesn't kill it. Rosty appears and throws will an ice fragment, telling him it's a wand and a sword. Sion enchants Will's sword and, using his sword and Sion's magic, he's able to land a single final blow on the Grand Duke.

Figure 6 Spice & Wolf, Episode 25

Elsa and Evan thank Lawrence and Holo as they depart.

Episode 25 of Spice & Wolf begins with Lawrence, Holo, Evan, and Elsa return to Tereo through the secret passage in the church where they immediately begin gathering supplies for a "miracle". The Church has alreadt begun exhorting the towns elders for money, they all exit the church to intervene. The declares their village pagan, but Elsa declares she has met one of god's divine messengers. The church demands proof, and Evan and Holo prepare a "miracle": they grow stalks of wheat from the bags the church returned. Except one. The one he intentionally poisoned. The bishop confirms their miracle. Lawrence tells them to consider dissolving the contract trade contract in favor of a new one: one where they sell finished baked goods instead of raw flower and sell it under a profit-sharing agreement. At the end of the episode, the villagers thank Lawrence, Holo, Elsa, and Evan for their help. Lawrence and Holo depart for Lenos.

In a post credits scene, Holo speaks to her daughter as Lawerence arrives home. And we got a season 2 announcement. Ugh. I remember the LNs and it only went downhill after Col was introduced, which will happen at the start of season 2, if my memory is correct.

Figure 7 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 12

Sensei lies on the ground after returning from Orange's kingdom.

Episode 12, and the finale of what most certainly has begun to feel like a chore in the latter half, of No Longer Allowed in Another World begins with the pope recognizing Sensei as this world's savior for his ability to banish other worlders. Sensei and the others are attacked by The Fallen Angle of Misery. When they try to fight him they find their attacks are ineffective. As Misery is about to kill Tama, Nir's parries his attack, and Misery leaves. That evening Sacchan finds Sensei. He immediately asks her to commit suicide with him, but she refuses. She tells him she can't be with him anymore—he's found happiness.

The next day a blacksmith examines Nir's sword. He tells him it's too great for him, but he may, one day, become worthy. Sensei is despondent due to Sacchan rejection and continues to attempt to kill himself throughout the day. Sacchan speaks with the remaining fallen angels and tell them Sensei is worthy of him. Annette, Tama, and Nir follow a depressed Sensei to the land of Orange, ruled by the Fairy Queen. He passes all three of the Fairy Queens trials and meets Oberis, the Fairy Queen, who notices Sensei also has Esche's protection. She tells him he and his soulmate, Sacchan, will be reunited at the end of their journey. Oberis lends Sensei the fairy's strength. As the credits roll, Sensei, Annette, Tama, and Nir continue their journey.

Figure 8 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 34

Zakuro laments all the lovey-dovey couples around her.

Episode 34 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! with Mayu's father returning home to exhibit some of the wildlife photographs he's taken. Yuki gets mildly jealous of the time Mayu spends with her father, and goes on her own adventure for the day. She finds a cat being harassed by birds (probably deserved it) and talks to other cats so it can find its way home, but Zakuro arrives and turns one of the cats into a Gaogaon. All the Cures arrive and transform to fight it. Cure Lilian transform Cure Nyammy into a giant cat toy in order to pacify then purify it.

Figure 9 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 13

Nonoa believes she made a new friend: Ririsa.

I had no idea 2.5 Dimensional Seduction was getting more than 12 episodes, so Episode 13 came as a complete surprise. It begins with Okumura and Ririsa going shopping for cosplay supplies. While there, another customer, Nonoa, recognizes Ririsa and invites her to a cosplay event—they believe it's as a direct challenge. When Nonoa gets home she makes a journal entry where she explains she got into cosplay to make friends, but she's too socially awkward and doesn't know how to act around people. She believes her first interaction with Ririsa means she finally made a friend. A week later they (along with Hanyuu-sensei) arrive at the event. Nagomi arrives too. Nonoa tries to speak with Ririsa again, but implodes and runs away. In a flashback, we see Nonoa being bullied at school for being an otaku—and liking Liliel.

In the changing room Nonoa again fails to talk to Ririsa. Ririsa changes into "Angel Liliel" from Cinderella Stars. Ririsa and Nonoa both enter the event at the same time, and Ririsa asks her to talk pictures together. She panics and leaves. Outside the event, Okumura approaches her and the credits roll.

Figure 10 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 12

Kai continues Sid's wish to project Rinne.

Episode 12, and the finale of Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, begins with the fight against the Last Riser. The Last Riser immediately attempts to banish Kyoko, but she sacrifices herself, allowing Kai and Rinne to escape. Together, Kai, Rinne, Jeanne, and Reiren fight against and defeat The Last Riser. As it dies, it begins another world reincarnation, summoning a copy of Sid in the process. Copied Sid attempts banish Rinne, but fails. Together, Kai and Rinne fight against Sid's copy and defeat it. Kai awakens, and Rinne tells her she likes him. Jeanne and Reiren walk in and she tries to kiss him, telling him he's been asleep for three days. Afterwards, they learn Kyoko survived—barely. Kai tells Rinne he will continue to project her, pursuant to Sid's wish.

To be honest, I enjoyed it less than God's Games

Figure 11 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 12

Atri and Natsuki begin to explore Eden.

Episode 12 of ATRI: My Dear Moments begins with Atri telling everyone her final orders are to "go to Eden". Although she hasn't a clue how to what that means or how to get there. Nastuski, Atri, Minamo, Yoko, and Ryuuji begin searching the ocean for clues. The radio reports the Amaterasu Project, a weather satellite launch, will be next week. They return empty-handed. One of the Natsuki students hands him a newspaper regarding Project Eden, and Nastsuki believes he knows its approximate location and continues their search. That night a dense fog appears, and Natsuki tells Atri be believes it's man made. He boards his submarine and follows several undersea cables. Natsuki finds an island, but Atri is no longer aboard his submarine. With his prosthetic leg broken he begins to search the large manmade island: Eden.

The island, made by has grandmother, was created by filtering ocean water and is maintained by robots. He finds Atri and they begin searching the island. At its center, they find a capsule identical to the one Atri slept in. An AI projection of his grandmother appears and tells Atri to get into the capsule—she has to run the island. The world will soon be destroyed by rising seal levels. The AI tells her she has 3 days until Atri's memories are erased by a program she embedded in her. Natsuki tells Atri to leave, but she refuses.

Other Remarks

I'm still working on Decretum from Madoka Magica on the piano. I did indeed smooth out the first part of the song and I just barely started on the key change last night. I am actually enjoying, perhaps more than I should, the Brown Scale Book. I think this weekend I may be able to round out all the final two major scales containing sharps: B-flat and F-sharp major. Or I may just have time for one. We'll see!

I did several clears of The Shadow Reef last week to get the lore books. I'll do several more today. It was as hard to learn as I thought it would be. To be honest, only The Ambassador was hard.

It feels strange to be at the end of the season. There are several shows ending this week and next. It may be possible for Mayonaka Punch to pull out a strong ending, but it's PA Works so I'm not certain. Na Nare Hana Nare introduce a brand new character right in the final episodes, which feels strange. I have no idea where that's going to end tomorrow.

Figure 1 Midnight Punch, Episode 11

Mayopan tells everyone at the start if their livestream that they're vampires.

Episode 11 of Midnight Punch begins with the Mayonakas planning for Masaki's and Yuki's intro video... just as Masaki's old YouTube channel, Hype-Sis, posts a video about her leading to a flame war in the comments. Multiple other photos show up of Masaki punching people (including one from Yuki). The negative comments cause Masaki to spiral further into depression. Live encourages her to be in the video, but Masaki calls her a "stupid bat" and refuses. Live tells her "she remembers".

Masaki goes to a spa to get her mind off everything and runs into one of her trolls, who suddenly pretends to be one of her fans. When she finally checks her channel she learns that Live has gone missing, and the other Mayonakas are begging her to come back. Masaki realizes he was likely her "stupid bat" comment. When she arrives back at Banpai Manor she finds it empty. In her room, she finds mysterious letters from 20 years ago address to Live from "Ai". Masaki gets ambushed by a masked figure (Hunter) and Yuki and Ichiko quickly escort her away. Mother dispatches Hunters to find and kill Live. Mother moves up the deadline: today's the last day to get to 1,000,000 subs. Yuki tells them to start the live stream while they search for Live. The travel to the abandoned hospital where Ai-san was admitted. Ichiko hands her a letter from Live. Ai died in this very hospital 20 years ago, and Live fell into a deep sleep to forget everything. She plans to fall into a deep sleep again in order to forget Live. Regardless, they start their live stream and immediately tell everyone their vampires. Just then, vampire hunters gather outside the hospital.

Figure 2 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 10

Will and Wignall, realizing they have identical motivations, decide to work together.

Episode 10 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword begins with Wignall telling Will he's one of the "laggards". All the other elves have ascended the tower. He hasn't. Lihanna tells Colette she feels the same way. Will tells him that feeling is something they have in common. Will and Wignall continue to progress through Floor 11, and the dungeon eventually births a powerful Balkars to oppose them. Resistant to both magic and physical attacks, Wignall uses his illusion magic to cover their retreat. Afterwards, he tells Will he is warrior worthy of respect. Demons continue to flood the upper floors as the professors cover the remaining student's retreat. Workner and Edward track Kiki to Floor 11 and begin heading there. Will and Wignall meet up Sion and Julius. Lihanna and Colette, who are still on their own, encounter Headless and Marze, to identify themselves as "average villians" wanting to destroy the false sky. When they attack Colette, Will and the others arrive. Marze forces Headless to leave. As he does, he summons and Evil Grand Duke.

Figure 3 I Parry Everything, Episode 12

Noor and Lynne help rebuild the royal capital.

Episode 12, and the finale of I Parry Everything, begins with a flashback of Noor training with his instructors. While they are impressed with his dedication, he's unable to learn a single skill besides parry. He still nevertheless excels at the basics. Noor leaves the capital after being rejected by all of their schools. Due to his promise, they decide to take him in and raise him as a group—but fail to find him. In the present, Noor arrives back at the guild. He gets an order to help rebuild the city and begins immediately. He reflects on how he wanted to be an adventurer and make his parents proud. He saves a man by parrying falling debris ans begins reconstructing the capital.

Figure 4 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 11

Hikari and Yuriko get sent back to Japan by sensei.

No Longer Allowed in Another World Episode 11 begins with Annette and the others arriving to confront Greed. Wolff has been captured by Yuriko (Greed), who summons endless enemies to fight them. Wolff was Yuriko's former master. She grew to hate him after he summoned a prettier girl and fed her all her attention. Sensei arrives in a self-propelled coffin mobile, along with Hikari, her younger sister, the woman whom Wolff lauded with attention. Sensei tells her it's time to write her story. She tells him she wanted her youth. In a flashback we see Hikari being abused by her father who only pays attention to her sick and dying sister. She'd commit suicide by walking out in front of a truck, bringing her to Zauberberg. Her sister lost hope without her and also committed suicide, following her to this Zauberberg. Hikari begs Wolff to give her sister a normal life in this world. Hikari and Yuriko embrace as Sensei completes his story. Hikari wakes up in Japan, believing it all to be a dream.

Figure 5 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 23

A2 speaks with the projections of the machine consciousness.

Episode 23 of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season begins with Devola embracing Popola as she asks if if, in death, she'll finally be able to atone. After the opening, 9S ascends the tower as A2 arrives and finds Devola infected by the logic virus. A2 executes her, enters the tower, and begins her ascent shortly behind 9S. 9S is ambushed by multiple 2B models which is able to easily defeat—the final self-destructs. A2 finds a library with records of humanity. She learns the tower is a super-weapon aimed directly at the moon. Additionally, she learns that humanity is long extinct, and that Project YoRHa is ploy created by the machines.

9S regains consciousness. His pod informs him he's been infected by the logic virus and it's beginning to spread. 9S and A2 are approached by personas of the machine's network who tell them their lives are meaningless. They, along with the machines, are trying to become human, but cannot. 9S learns that it was all planned: the failure of Project YoRHa, the backdoor into the bunker's security—it's all been planned by the machines. A2 and 92 are attacked by two large machine lifeforms, and their fight brings them both to the top of the tower. The machine lifeforms attack and kill each other. 9S tells A2 their fight against the machines is meaningless—their death is predetermined by the machines that created them. A2 tells 9S that 2B was designed to kill scanner units like him in order to prevent them from learning the truth about the death of humanity. It pained 2B to kill him again and again. 9S is overtaken by the logic virus and prepares to fight A2.

Figure 6 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 33

A Gaogaon boar rolls around in the mud by the river.

Episode 33 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! begins at the vet. Mr. Inukai (Iroha's dad) treats and grooms various animals at his clinic. Satoru arrives to have Daifuku's claws trimmed, and Iroha has him wait in her room. He asks how his father decided to become a vet, and Iroha's mother tells him it was his dream. Torame arrives and spawns a Gaogaon boar that rampages through town. The Cures entice the boar to a nearby river where it plays in the mud. And, after a joint attack, they purify it and send it back to Niko Garden.

Figure 7 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 11

Mari tries to apologize to Kanata for leaving the rude comment on the PomPom's channel.

Episode 11 of Narenare: Cheer for You! begins with Kanata telling the others Mari-senpai posted the rude comment on their channel. Mari was injured as a result of Kanata's mistake. But despite fully healing she refuses to be on Hawk Wing's A-Team. Like Kanata, she developed a strong mental block and could no longer perform jumps or throws. Bitter and resentful, she decided to leave angry comments and incite a flame war on PomPom's YouTube channel. After PomPoms disbanded, she was overcome with even more guilt and decided to quit cheer.

Kanata tells Megumi she believed Mari was a great friend, and Megumi tells her to try to talk it out. The next day Megumi meets with Mari at the library. She speaks with Mari, who brings her home then apologizes to the others. Mari tells her the "weakness of her spirit" caused their pain, and she asks to join PomPoms to make up for it. They agree to let her in. She tells Kanata her cheers make everyone smile, and she's smiling when she flies. She wants her to be able to fly again. In a post credits scene, Kanata learns to fly again, and Mari stops coming to school.

Figure 8 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 12

The manga club, now the cosplay club, is officially approved!

Episode 12 of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction begins with the entire school learning about Ririsa is failing every subject and receiving a detention. After school, Hanyuu-sensei tells Okumura they're willing to permit their cosplay club but they (the school) won't post about it publicly. The principal warns Hanyuu-sensei the other members of the school may harass them otherwise. Mikari learns that Hanyuu-sensei is the legendary cosplayer Mayuri, and together they start taking Ririsa's measurements and planning future cosplays. Ogino tells Okumura that the legendary "Mr. Camera" has labeled Ririsa a potential "fifth rising star". Ririsa learns of it all and feels elated that someone else noticed how much she loves Liliel.

Figure 9 Spice & Wolf, Episode 24

Lawrence and Holo flee with Elsa and Evan.

Episode 24 of Spice & Wolf begins with Lawrence and the others exiting the tunnel and finding an alter with apples and wheat atop an open cliff face. Holo tells Lawrence the tunnel was real—perhaps made by a real pagan snake god. The descend the cliff and Holo tells them they'll flee towards Enberch. Holo transforms into a wolf, Lawrence, Holo, and Evan jump on top and, together, they flee. They sleep at the half-way point the encounter a group of soldiers marching to Tereo to return the wheat. Lawrence notices a member of the church with then, likely planning to declare the village pagan. Elsa asks Holo if she's truly a god. She responds she's a "wise wolf". Elsa decides to return to the village—she refuses to abandon the villages. Holo doubts herself, realizing that, unlike Elsa, she didn't defend her hometown. Lawrence tells her she could have fought the moon-hunting bear, but it attacked only after she left. Holo tells him there's still a chance for the village. Holo decides to perform a miracle in front of them. Holo and Lawrence tell Elsa and Evan their plan: to perform a miracle right when the villages are cornered. The episode ends as Enberch's soliders arrive on the outskirts of Tereo.

Figure 10 Failure Frame, Episode 11

Touka fights against a large horde of monsters.

Episode 11 of Failure Frame begins following the death rattle that called thousands of monsters to their position. Eve proposes a plan where she acts as bait to let the others escape. Touka refuses. Instead, he tells them he will handle them with status ailments. Touka's classmates begin to flee the horde of rushing monsters, but some of them are too slow and cannot escape the stampede. Touka lures all the monsters to him and begins to flee. That evening, Eve tells the others she can still help Touka. Seras and Lis agree and she departs. Touka begins to cause the monsters to go beserk and kill each other, paraylizing stronger monsters to ensure they're killed by the weaker ones first, allowing him to level up and regain his mana to continue the fight. Eve finds one of Touka's classmates and gets attacked.

Figure 11 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 11

Natsuki places Atri in her charging capsule.

Episode 11 of ATRI: My Dear Moments begins Natsuki and Atri arriving at school. He tells the students he's going to the academy on the mainland. He tells then he wants to study humanoids. Atri, however, is despondent. He offers his boat to Ryuuji so he can continue the salvage business. That evening Atri asks Natsuki if he likes her. He tells her he sees her as more than a humanoid. Suddenly, Atri deactivates.

Natsuki brings her home and begins investigating. He suspects her battery has failed. Given that she's a recalled model, it's unlikely he'll be able to get a replacement. Atri reactivates briefly and begins losing her memories. He orders her to hibernate in the interim while they look for a solution. Everyone begins looking around town for clues. Natsuki suspects the capsule he found her in can charge her. He gets in his submarine and recovers it from the bottom of the ocean. He places Atri in it and she begins to recharge. When she awakens, she tells him "Eden" — she knows what Nonoka's final order is.

Figure 12 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 11

Rinne and Kyoko fight against The Last Riser.

Episode 11 of Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? begins with Rikugen Kyoko, Hero of the Spirits, attacking the humans. Kai uses Code Holder to defend against her magic—Kyoko recognizes his weapon and stops the fight. She identifies Sid as the enemy of all spirit, and its ambushed by The Last Riser for speaking Sid's name. She's able to injure it and it retreats, then proposes a ceasefire with the humans. They accept. They leave for the graveyard and Sid's sword speaks to them: fix his mistake. They're teleported and find Alfreya petrified, and are again attacked by The Last Riser, who teleports everyone away except Kap, Rinne, and Kyoko, who begin to fight it. Realizing it can regenerate, they decide to lure it away, but it only comes back more powerful.

Figure 13 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 12

Dahlia dances with Wolfred in a vision of her future.

I can't believe I made it to Episode 12 of Dahlia in Bloom. I should have dropped this at Episode 1. I knew it wouldn't go anywhere. And it hasn't. Anyways, the final episode of Dahlia's foot fungus adventure begins in Dahlia's tower with her and Wolfred prototyping a magic sword. While working, they find a rare mirror scale that, when touched, knocks them both unconscious. While unconscious, they both have a vision of the future where they dance together at a ball. Madam Gabriella and Ivano propose a plan to get Dahlia to marry Wolfred, although she tells them both she's no considering marriage at the moment. That evening, Irma, Marcella, and Lucia drop by for dinner at Dahlia's tower where they all celebrate Dahlia's success.

Dahlia (again) dreams of her father. The next morning she and Wolfred travel to a graveyard where they both pay respects to their deceased family members. Dahlia thanks her father. Wolfred thanks his mother.

Figure 14 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 12

Kuze and Alya ask the students to vote for them following their speech.

Episode 12, and the final episode of Alya's incredibly boring show, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian begins with Alya practicing her speech for student council president. Kuze gives her some pointers to grab their attention. Kuze taunts Yuki, causing her to second guess herself. A coin flip determines Yuki will speak first—Alya will get the last word. The next day Yuki delivers a formal speech emphasizing student input, and her goal of soliciting and following through with their feedback should she be elected president. Alya delivers an impassioned speech where she begins speaking in Russia to draw the crowd's attention, then emphasizes how she's a hard worker who learns from her mistakes. Afterwards, in Kuze's VP speech, he jokingly tells everyone he "dumped" Yuki and backed Alya because she has the charisma to draw people to her. At the end of the episode, Kuze tells Alya they should begin calling each other by their first names.

Overall just a terribly boring show. This student council drama masquerading as a Russian romantic comedy was not worth watching. There's going to be a Season 2. I won't watch it. It's not woth the time or effort.

Other Remarks

I'm still working on Decretum from Madoka Magica on the piano. I've had playthroughs up to the key change from B-flat major to E-flat major, but it's still not as smooth as I'd like, so I'll keep workong on it today and throughout all of next week. I'm also still memorizing all the major scales from the Brown Scale Book.

Bye Bye, Earth finished its first season this week. The final episode was pretty confusing and definetely the weakest overall, but it's only the final episode of season one. I don't think season two has a release date, but it has been announced, so I'm looking forward to it. Ike's show also finished this week, and it was okay overall. Definetely less ambitious than Bye Bye, Earth, but still not the worst show of the season.

Figure 1 Bye Bye, Earth, Episode 10

Dram grooms Adonis into joining the Army of Indatiable Darkness.

Episode 10, and the season 1 finale, of Bye Bye, Earth begins with Adonis as he's welcomed to The Army of Insatiable Emptiness. A mermaid, Dram, the swordwright who forged Runding, gives him a new sword with the force of death: Rusty Nail. Afterwards, Sian Lablac becomes Adonis Enola. Belle speaks with Gwyn and Bennett—she couldn't start her journey. Belle joins the soloists at their next battle, but she struggles and becomes gravely wounded. Adonis is forced break all his stolen swords and duel Sian. Adonis swears to, one day, kill Sian. We learn Sian was sworn to become Prince Fatal like Adonis, but instead became an Enola to avoid Adonis's curse. Dram forged Sian's sword, and awakened as a women after she traveled with him. Dram was rejected by The Divine Tree, learning that its true power is erasing the future that she herself tries to forge with her swords. Henceforth, Dram crafted cursed swords.

Sian tells Adonis that he must doubt The Girl of Reason. Behind Belle lies the truth of the Divine Tree, the realms of paradise, and the ancient age of gods. Dram shows Adonis he can lift his own curse. Adonis draws his sword, "Nowhere", and joins the Army of Insatiable Darkness. I'm looking forward to season 2!

Figure 2 Midnight Punch, Episode 10

Yuki reveals herself as famous retro-game streamer Yukizuri!

Episode 10 of Midnight Punch begins with the reveal that Yuki has her own gaming channel, the Yukizuri Gaming Channel, where she plays retro games. By mistake, Ichiko uploads a new video to their channel saying that they have a new member. Yuki arrives and demands answers—she mistakenly believes the new member was referring to her, and reveals herself as the famous game streamer Yukizuri. They tell her she's mistaken and ask her to leave, telling her the new member was supposed to be Masaki. Yuki tells Masaki she wanted to start a gaming channel after seeing how much fun they had at the YouTuber meetup.

Yuki tells Masaki she and Live purged vampires that harmed humans, allowing vampires and humans to live in peace together. But these days they no longer get along. Masaki runs into her old channel members and they're shocked to learn she's running Mayonaka Punch behind the scenes. They tell her they were considering a collaboration video with MayoPan, but Masaki declines. Nevertheless, speaking with them gives Masaki the confidence to star in a video with the Mayonakas. At home, Yuki joins MayoPan and has an eating contest in her first video against Live. Live wins, and Yuki decides to join MayoPan officially, along with Masaki. But when their fans learn Masaki is involved they begin leaving negative comments.

Figure 3 The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, Episode 12

The Demon Lord praises Ike and promotes him for his efforts.

Episode 12 of The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human begins with Ike's attack on Corassa. This attack, however, is a distraction. Ike plans to keep the enemies attention while Cefiro and the others escape. General E Rudle expects a ploy and demands additional defenses stand guard around Cefiro and the others. Regardless, Lilith manages to rescue Cefiro, and Ike uses illusion magic to cloak riflemen who sneak into the castle. Fiorentina is gravely wounded and, in an act of revenge, executes the human's head mage. Jiron signals to Ike the operation was a success, and Gunther uses explosives to begin bombing the city, providing cover to the final escaped prisoners. Ike and the dwarves immediately launch follow-up attack and General E Rudle orders a retreat.

The next day Ike's forces begin rebuilding Corassa. Ike receives a message from E Rudle praising him for his battle tactics. Ike sends a letter in return, telling E Rudle he'd prefer to avoid any future battles. The Demon Lord Dairokuten arrives and praises everyone for their victory. She then promotes him to be the commander of the entire corps.

Figure 4 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 11

Ririsa and Nagomi take a selfie after their cosplay exhibition.

Episode 11 of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction continues with the informal cosplay challenge between Ririsa and Nagomi. Ririsa's Liliel keeps many photographers glued to her. Ririsa realizes that cosplay is her "enchanted armor" that allows her to to be herself. The photographers, in awe of Ririsa's Liliel, believe she could be the next queen. Nagomi and Ririsa leave, and the photographers again wonder if Liliel has any social media presence. After the event, Eri asks Mayuri why she ghosted everyone, tell her that even if she quit cosplay, she's still her friend. Nagomi and Ririsa run into each other at the changing room and both compliment the each other's cosplay. When Okumura arrives Nagomi realizes he looks exactly like her fictional husband, Kai-san, and immediately asks him for his number. In the changing room, the other cosplayers help her change and compliment her on her cosplay, too. On the train ride home, Ririsa tells Okumura she loves him and asks him to stay with him forever... but then clarify they mean in terms of cosplay. Hanyuu-sensei submits her cosplay report, and the school administration questions if they can put out a report including her photos. At school, Mikari tells Riria she's in trouble.

Figure 5 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 22

Devola and Popola die to attone for their sins of failing to project humanity.

Episode 22 of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season begins with an account of Project Gestalt: a project that separated human souls from their bodies. The project, overseen by Devola and Popola, failed. After the opening, 9S arrives at the base of the tower. His pod warns him it's a trap. A copy of 9S tells him he'll lead him to the truth—2B has killed him 100's of times. 2B(E) is an executioner model designed to kill scanner models like 9S in order to prevent them from learning the truth about humanity and Project YoRHa: that humanity is long dead and Project YoRHa is a lie perpetuated by the machines. 9S's copy tells him this is the first timeline where he lived and 2B died. He we will lead to a new ending: a finale. The tower opens as 9S is ambushed by multiple machine lifeforms.

Devola and Popola arrive, defeat the machines, and begin treating 9S. They inform him Lily and and the others are dead. The Resistance Camp has fallen. Additional machines arrive. Devola and Popola throw 9S into the tower as it closes, and fight to the death outside in order to "atone for their sins"—the failure of Project Gestalt and the death of the humans their failure to protect the humans that created them. Devola and Popola die outside the tower as 9S begins his ascent.

Figure 6 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 32

Yuki feeds a carrot to Sakura the Elephant.

Episode 32 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! (and the 1000 episode of Pretty Cure) begins with all the Cures (and Satoru) going to the Animal Town petting zoo. Iroha sees an old elephant, Sakura, whose been at the zoo for longer she's been alive. Zakuro arrives and turns Sakura into a Gaogaon. All the Cures transform and try to purify it, but struggle due to the elephant's strength. The other animals in the zoo, who've known Sakura for years, intervene to help, and a joint attack from all the Cures finally purifies her.

Figure 7 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 10

All of the PomPoms on their way home.

Episode 10 of Narenare: Cheer for You! begins immediately after Megumi finishes cheering for Kanata. Shion and Obunai walk home together, and they both tell the other the want to become strong. The next day, the PomPoms decide to stop making videos to fulfill more cheer requests, eventually finishing all of them at the end of summer break. Kanata continues to receive counseling for her inability to "fly", but her outlook nevertheless improves. She eventually asks her senpai, Miyabi, to teach her how to dance. Miyabi invites her back to her school's cheer club, and Miyabi teachers her how to dance after practice. She learns Mari-senpai, a cheer leader she looked up to, quit cheer. Kanata finds her in the library, and she admits she wrote the rude YouTube comment that upset Kanata.

Figure 8 I Parry Everything, Episode 11

The King asks Noor what he wants to wants for a reward.

Episode 11 of I Parry Everything begins with Dragon of Calamity, carrying Noor and the others, chasing the Emperor back to his throne room. The Emperor orders the use of an experimental weapon, the Keraunos, to be used against it. When it is, Noor immediately parries it and the residual energy falls down on the city, destroying it. The Emperor's advisors flee. Noor falls from the dragon and lands on the Emperor, preventing his death at the hands of a mutiny. The others arrive, and The Prince tells the Emperor he'll be forgiven if he experiences the same pain he's inflected on everyone else in the war that he himself started. Everyone thanks Noor for averting a more serious war, and they return home. When the King offers him a reward, he refuses. After they insist, he tells them to help Rolo—to let him live in the capital like a normal person. Rolo ends up living with Ines, and cries the first time she serves him "real" food for dinner.

Figure 9 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 9

Will and his team rush the tenth floor of the dungeon.

Episode 9 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword begins with all the students starting their dungeon Praxis. Will and his team immediately rush to the lower levels. In the early stages, Will inability to use Search caused him to react slowly to monsters he cannot detect until he sees them himself. Lihanna tells everyone their priority target is Luminous Naberus, a rare monster that appears only on the tenth and final floor. When the arrive at the 10th floor the encounter hordes of dead monster. Will warns them none of the monsters were killed with magic. They find that the Naberus was also killed. Just then they are ambushed by a monster that attacks faster than they can chant spells. The floor collapses, and they all tumble below the eleventh floor: Nightmare's Maw. They end up separated, and Lihanna warns Colette if they can't reform their party they're going to die.

A stampede of monsters destroys the base on floor 8, and multiple professors are found dead on lower floors. The praxis is canceled and students evacuate the dungeon. Will and Wignall get surrounded by Demon Swine and Will has to save him when his illusion magic fails. Wignall tells Will he's one of the laggards—one of the failed elves.

Figure 10 A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero, Episode 12

Takagi gives Hikari a healing servant card.

Episode 12 of A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero begins with Takagi apologizing to Haruka for constantly risking his life in the dungeon. He tells her he won't go back to the dungeon. But Haruka tells him he should—he needs to find the elixir to save Hikari. Takagi decides go back to where he started: farming rare slimes. He and all his friend help him farm low-level slimes. They farm through winter break, and eventually encounter a rare rainbow slime on Christmas day. The surround it and kill it. Afterwards, the rush Hikari out of the hospital and to the dungeon and give her a servant card dropped by the slime: Fairy Queen Titania. A healing servant. While not an elixir, they expect Titania may be able to heal her. Hikari summons Titania, but she's not able to fully heal her at her current level. She able to partially heal her—enough for her to continue exploring the dungeon. If she continues to explore and Titania continues to level up, she'll eventually access a powerful healing spell, Yggdrasil, that will fully cure Hikari. On New Years day, Takagi promises Haruka he'll explore the dungeon and come back safely.

Figure 11 Failure Frame, Episode 10

Touka and the others enter the Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters.

Episode 10 of Failure Frame begins with Touka, Seras, Eve, and Lis arriving in the Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters, where Touka confirms his status ailments work on them. They're quickly attacked by nazorts, which contain parts Touka can use to enhance Piggymaru. The egg Touka was carrying hatches into a rare type of horse. Touka lets it absorb his magic and it transforms into a dark beast that he names Slei. Touka's classmates, also in The Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters, slowly defeat enemies for experience. Nazorts also attack their party, and Touka sees remnants of their fight in the distance. The next day the party continues progress, and Touka tells them they're close to the Witch. They're attacked by a monster with a death rattle that calls all monsters to their location.

Figure 12 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 10

Wolff encounters Greed, one of the Seven Fallen Angels.

Episode 10 of No Longer Allowed in Another World begins with the Fallen Angel of Misery attacking the dwarven kingdom. Wolf is able to case a single spell, forcing them to flee. Afterwards, Wolff and Ysha inform Sensei and Annette that the dwarves are currently at war with one of the seven fallen angels. Tama tells then they've already defeated one of the seven: Grun. Following Misery's retreat, they decide to send the Fallen Angel of Greed. The next day Jade the Dark Dragon appears with Greed riding atop. Wolff drops his weapons and is immediately captured by Greed, who then takes him to Dritten Temple. Ysha tells the others Greed is one of Wolff's previous students. Sensei finds and old woman familiar with Wolff's past and takes her, along with Annette, Tama, and Nir to Dritten Temple to save Wolff. The Huntsmen arrive and drive everyone but Tama and the old women to the Temple.

Figure 13 Spice & Wolf, Episode 23

Elsa and Evan plan to flee Tereo with Holo and Lawrence.

Spice & Wolf Episode 23 begins with the town investigating the poisoned wheat from Tereo. Enberch plans to return all the wheat and the town will have to return the money. Money they've already spent. The town accuses Lawrence and Holo of grinding poison wheat into the town's supply. The elder suspects Enberch will remove Tereo's favorable trading contract with them. Lawrence and Holo both suspect this is a ploy by Enberch, too. They both visit Elsa and tell her they're considering fleeing the town with her and Evan. Holo and Lawrence read one final book in Franz's library: it again tells of a bear spirit destroying Yoitsu, but implies many of Holo's past friends escaped. Evan tells Lawrence he wants to escape with him. The town gathers outside the church and demand Lawrence and Evan. Elsa agrees to flee. They enter a hidden passage in the basement as the episode ends.

Figure 14 My Wife Has No Emotion, Episode 12

Takuma (and Mina) announce that they've moved to a new house.

Episode 12 and the finale of My Wife Has No Emotion begins with Takuma introducing his robot child, Mamoru, to his parents. His mother asks him to transfer ownership of Mina to her, as having "ownership" of his wife feels a bit creepy. Mina, along with Takuma, opposes the idea. Nevertheless, the decide to make his mother a secondary owner. Late that night, he apologizes to his father for not bringing a human woman home. His father tells him not to worry about it. His sister Akari arrives and gets light-headed when he meets their "child". Later, his mother buys a Mamoru bot herself, but finds it annoying as it constantly gives her health advice. Takuma, Mina, and Mamoru move from an apartment to an older, albeit more spacious, house. Mina begins acting more like a wife, calling him "darling" and "honey". He tells her just to call her Takuma. They all sleep together on the same futon on the first night in their new home.

Figure 15 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 10

Kai, Jeanne, and Rinne speak with the prophetic god Arsla Solaka.

Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? Episode 10 begins with Kai, Rinne, and Jeanne entering the ruins of the "center of the world". Reiren stands guard outside. The three arrive at a stone statue of Arsla Solaka, the prophetic god. Arsla reveals to them other prophesy: during the previous world reincarnation Sid's presence was erased. Jeanne must become a prophet, takes Sid's place, and become the hero of humanity. Defeat the remaining heroes and the Last Riser to restore the world. Jeanne lies to Reiren and tells her they found nothing significant in the ruins. The next day Jeanne's convoy crosses into Yulun Federation and find a graveyard. They get ambushed by spirit slimes, and Lord Balmung, commander of the Yulun Resistance Army, arrive to save them. Balmung leads them to a lake they're investigating. Rinne warns them it's not a lake, but in fact a powerful spirit. Just then, the Hero of the Spirits, Rikugen Kyoko appears.

Figure 16 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 10

Atri tells Natsuki to dispose of her after she attacked another human.

ATRI: My Dear Moments Episode 10 begins right where Episode 9 left off. Natsuki arrives on the roof and demands Yasuda stop attacking Atri. He tells him Atri, like a human, has a heart. Instead, Yasuda attacks Natsuki. In order to defend Natsuki, Atri attacks Yasuda. Yasuda tells everyone that this is proof Atri is defective: she's violent and willing to attack humans. She continues to beat Yasuda unconscious. She hands Natsuki a gun and tells him to kill her, but he refuses. Atri regains memories of her previous owner and begins to cry. The next day, Catherine takes Yasuda to the police. Natsuki shows Atri's diary to the others. He tells them her previous master, Shina, was her mother. The pages are stained with Atri's tears. Natsuki tells them this is proof she has a heart. He tells Atri that, despite her mistakes, he'll always be by her side. Atri suddenly deactivates.

31 years ago, Natsuki's grandmother orders Atri to take care of her daughter, Shiina. Atri is initially very clumsy, but Shiina tells her not to worry—she's a high performance robot, after all! Atri and Shiina lived together in peace for months—until her first day of middle school. Shiina was bullied by her classmates, and begin to feel miserable both at school and at home. Her stress causes her to harass Atri as well, and Atri decides to fix the problem. Atri goes to her middle school and finds Shiina is about to commit suicide by jumping off the roof of the school. Her classmates continue to harass her, telling her she ought to jump. Atri senses the danger at attacks on of her bullies. Shiina calls her a monster. Atri quietly watched over his mother for years thereafter, eventually being put to sleep by his grandmother. Natsuki's mom would later tell him she wished she could apologize to Atri.

Figure 17 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 11

Kuze encourages Alya (again).

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Episode 11 begins with Kuze having a dream where he, as a child, tried to impress his mother but failed. He wakes up with a cold. Alya arrives to nurse him back to health. Later, Kimishima also arrives to nurse him back to health, much to Alya's annoyance. Regardless, Alya decides to leave early to prepare for an event at school tomorrow. After Kuze oversleeps, he realizes Yuki intentionally gave Alya medicine to make him sleep. Kuze arrives at school late that day—after Alya already fell for Yuki's trap: a live all-school announcement where Yuki made Alya flub all her lines. Kuze encourages her to press on.

Figure 18 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 11

Dahlia accepts flowers from Wolfred.

Episode 11 of Dahlia in Bloom begins with Dahlia arriving at the palace, where the head of the monster suppression force thanks her for her magic socks and insoles. She further explains how to defeat... foot fungus... again. Afterwards, Wolfred's friends tell him to buy Dahlia's favorite flowers and sweets, but he doesn't know what they are. Instead, they buy them for him and he delivers them to her after work. At her tower, Wolfred asks Dahlia about her favorite flowers and sweets. They talk through the night about their past, and Dahlia explains how she's never known or met her mother. She died when she was young, and she and her father were only informed after the funeral. Wolfred tells her that his mother was the Duke's third wife. His mother died protecting the Duke and his first wife. She tells Wolfred of a recurring dream where she dies of exhaustion at her desk (in Japan).

Other Remarks

Another Gitzo Tripod head arrived. I now have everything I need for it. Piano practice is going great. I'm slowly working my way through Decretum from Madoka Magica. My current goal is to finish all the major scales in the Brown Scale Book while working on Decretum then starting Volume 2 of Adult Piano Adventures.

I feel a bit bad because I haven't been able to post interesting updates about things besides anime. I didn't post about the new tripod or new computer... but I will when I get time! I also got my Pon no Michi plushies from AmiAmi the other day! But I've been so busy with piano practice it consumes most of my free time. But in a fun way!

Figure 1 Bye Bye, Earth, Episode 9

The King asks Belle to play the keys to reveal her soul's timbre.

Episode 9 of Bye Bye, Earth begins with Belle arriving at the throne room to become acquire the key to become a nomad—to embark on a journey to find out who she is. They give her a piano and tell her to play in order to revlea her soul's timbre. She refuses, but the King insists. He tells her her presence isn't wanted in Park City. Play a key and depart forever as a nomad. Belle decides to wait. Outside the city, Adonis kills several soloist who attack him, and begins to wish for death. He decides Belle is his only reason to stay alive. Adonis enters the throne room after Belle leaves and voices his doubt. What are the Ashes of the Tried? What are the Ashes of the Scared? Why do swords drive their wielder's mad? As he voices his doubt, he begins to slaughter priests win try to stop him from approaching the king.

The King tells him his doubt is all part of god's plan. The King explains he's Prince Fatal, and as such he's designed to kill soloists. The men Adonis has killed reveal themselves to be priests and offer themselves as roots the World Tree. All the dead will become priests and eventually roots for God's tree. The King tells Adonis he can escape if plays a key and flees the city. But as he strikes the keys no sound plays. He has no soul timbre. No reason to go on a journey. A bitter depresses Adonis arrives at Belle's apartment and asks to be saved. He tells Belle to cut him, but when she refuses he tries to rape her. Kitty the All arrives to stop it, and Adonis flees. Adonis arrives at the outskirts of the city and vanishes in a cloud of miasma while he hears the echo of "Nowhere".

Figure 2 ATRI: My Dear Moments, Episode 9

Yasuda begins to dispose of Atri on the roof of school.

Episode 9 of ATRI: My Dear Moments begins with Natsuki telling Atri she's been lying to him—she doesn't have a heart. He orders her to stop acting like a human, and her speech becomes stilted and robotic. When Natsuki asks for her true feelings, she responds that she hates him. Natsuki leaves and begins walking aimlessly through a rainy night, eventually collapsing realizing "everything" was a lie. Ryuuji finds him and takes him to Minamo. Natsuki tells Minamo she doesn't have a heart. All she does is execute whatever code will make humans around her happy. Minamo tells him humans aren't too dissimilar. She tells him Atri has a heart, but may not know how to respond. The next morning Atri doesn't arrive at school. Catherine receives a report from an unknown sender regarding the recall of the Yamasaki's 4th generation model humanoids. One of the units, possibly Atri, disobeyed its master's orders, infiltrated a school, and hurt children. Catherine decided to not allow Atri on school grounds.

On his way home, Natsuki wonders if Atri went berserk and hand her memories deleted as a consequence. A man named Yasuda approaches Natsuki. He tells him he worked at the Yamasaki factory, and that Atri is indeed responsible for the attack. He hands him one of Atri's old notebooks, identifying her previous mater as "Shiina". Yasuda tells Nastuski only one fourth-gen model still exists in the world, and asks for his permission to recover and dispose of her. Natsuki arrives home and again orders Atri not to act like she as a heart. He leaves her old notebook and enters his submarine, which becomes unmoored and washed away. When he gets home Atri is gone. She left a note telling him he's going to school. The final line entry in her previous journal tells Shiina she loves her.

At school, Yasuda takes two students hostage and demands to see Atri. When she arrives, he releases the hostages and Atri surrenders herself. He begins to attack Atri while the others, held at gunpoint, are forced to watch. Natsuki tries to run to school, but struggles due to the rain and his prosthetic leg. Natsuki arrives just as the episode ends.

Figure 3 Narenare: Cheer for You!, Episode 9

Kanata hugs Megumi after she cheers for her.

Episode 9 of Narenare: Cheer for You! begins with the start of another unnecessary drama arc. The PomPoms cancel practice early after Anna gets pissed that Kanata was doing cheer jobs herself. The next morning Nodoka drops by Stout Records to speak to Anna, who tells her she's still mad at Kanata. Nodoka runs into Rara-senpai who cheers for her. Anna runs into Shion who shares her feelings regarding how bitter everyone was yesterday. When they drop by Megumi's house for practice, she tells them it's Kanata likely won't be coming anymore. She lashed out at Kanata, and tells the two she's depressed that her condition is getting worse.

While walking alone though town Kanata remembers what it was like to fly. She runs into Obunai who tells her to do it again. Megumi gets a call from Shoin that Kanata is in the hospital from another failed jump. Megumi arrives and apologizes to Kanata. Megumi tells Kanata she knows she flew for her in nationals. Megumi, with great effort, cheers for Katana. At the end of the episode Kanata tells everyone she wants to cheer with PomPoms again.

Figure 4 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 31

Yuma and Mayu makeup.

Episode 31 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! begins with Mayu's mom telling Mayu to post pictures of Yuki on Pretty Holic's social media page to pull in more visitors—but first she has to make it. But Mayu is concerned that, if she does, people will say bad things about her or Yuki. It works, and more people visit the shop to see Yuki. One of Yuki's old friends, Yuma, sees her posts and decides to drop by the store. When she does, Mayu accidentally ignores her while she's busy working and she quickly leaves. Zakuro attacks Yuma, dragging her out of her car, and turning her Chinchilla into a Gaogaon. All the Cures arrive, transform, and fight it. Yuma tries to stop the her pet-turned-Gaogaon but faints. Cure Lillian captures the Gaogaon and purifies it using Niko's power. Mayu finds Yuma and apologizes for ignoring her, explaining that when she gets focused on her work she phases out. Yuma apologizes too, explaining that she ignored her because she was scared.

Figure 5 Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Episode 8

Rosty helps Will try on new clothes on what was supposed to be his deito with Colette.

Episode 8 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword begins at Gina's Tavern, with everyone celebrating Will's victory. Julius is forced to work in the back to repay Gina for the damage he caused earlier. Professor Workner wonders how Will will be treated now that they've seen how strong he is. A week-long dungeon praxis is approaching and everyone wants Will in their party. Colette, in a flustered panic, tells everyone Will can't join them—he's going shopping with her tomorrow. That Saturday they go on their deito, but Will's roomate, Rosty, shows up as a third-wheel. Throughout the day Rosty constantly prevents Colette from talking to Will. Eventually, Rosty tells Will to leave so he can talk to Colette privately. He tells Colette he loves Will more than she loves Will. Will is approached by Lihanna, a straight A student, who takes him to a tea party with with Sion, Julius, and Sarissa, telling him they'd like to form a party for their week-long dungeon praxis.

All of the others disagree, telling Lihanna they don't want to be in a party with Will. Lihanna, like Will, wants to become a Magia Vander. Together, if they want to climb the tower, they're all going to have to work together. Will and the others accept. That evening, he tells Colette and Rosty he's joined Lihanna's party. Colette also tags along with Will. The episode ends right as the Praxis begins. In a post-credits scene, we see a many murder an unidentified person in the dungeon.

Figure 6 NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season, Episode 21

A2 executes Lily after Lily succumbs to the logic virus.

NieR:Automata Ver1.1a 2nd Season Episode 21 begins with A2 collapsing following her extended using of berserker mode. She reactivates several hours later and receives word from Lily that the Resistance Camp is under attack. The logic virus has infected many of the androids and they're going to abandon their position. Jackass, Devola, and Popola arrive and begin treating the logic virus, but many of the androids are already lost. Lily warns them the machines from Pascal's village carry the logic virus. Lily orders the remaining units clear the camp. 9S arrives at the third sub-unit which contains 2B's flight unit. It contains an unsent message of gratitude for the time she spent with 9S. A2 arrives and finds Lily has been infected by the logic virus. Lily begs A2, Freesia, to kill her. She picks up her rifle and shoots her through the head. Pascal arrives at camp and finds all her children murdering each other. Pascal gets infected as well, then commits suicide. The tower announces that it's open, and A2 and 9S begin to travel to it.

Figure 7 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, Episode 10

Ririsa performs as Liliel following Mayura's departure.

Episode 10 of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction begins with Mayura arriving during Nagomi's photo shoot, taking her fans away, her beauty stunning the crow in the process. Nagomi begins to question herself: do you need to love a character to cosplay it? This interaction buys Ririsa enough time to change into her Liliel outfit. Mayura decides to leave early just as Liliel arrives and takes her place. Despite being an old character, the crowd loves her. Nagomi continues to doubt herself, realizing that she, like Ririsa, had her same smile years ago. In a flashback, we see Nagomi falling in love with Kai, and changing herself into Kai's heroine Slowly, she became bitter and began to hate other cosplayers who were there just for fun. Instead, she resolves to cosplay for fun (again).

Figure 8 The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human, Episode 11

Cefiro fights to the end after being ambushed in Alesta.

Episode 11 of The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army was a Human begins with Cefiro being ambushed at Alesta—the humans let her capture the city only to immediately surround it. In Ike's absence, The Alliance of Kings also attacked Ivalias, but Dairokuten helped defend the city. Gunther offers his warriors, and the humans of Ivalias also agree to join Ike to march on Alesta and save Cefiro. Meanwhile, Cefiro is wounded then captured while defending the city, and the humans retake it. General E Rudle speaks with Cefiro, and tells her her capture was the plan all along. They will use her as bait to either kill or capture Ike. Jiron scouts ahead and reports of Cefiro's capture. Ike reasons (correctly) that this is a trap.

Figure 9 Failure Frame, Episode 9

Touka, Seras, Eve, and Lis enter The Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters.

Episode 9 of Failure Frame begins with Mauaji's mages avoiding Seras's trap. They reveal themselves not as mages who use advanced curses, but assassins that used advanced poisons. Seras reveals herself, telling them she's the one who killed the Five Dragon Knights, along with humanity's strongest. They do not believe her and surround her with even more powerful warriors. Touka arrives and paralyzes then poisons all of them. An additional group of warriors arrives, and Eve and Touka both swiftly defeat them, with Even defeating Duke Zuan herself. Afterwards, Touka destroys all the bodies to hide the evidence. That night, Touka tells Seras he's only here for revenge—not to save anyone. The next morning Seras proposes a name for their party: The Lord of Flies' Warband, and they arrive at the outskirts of the Land of Monsters. Even tells them Lis is not the Witch of Taboos, but she does know where she is, and they begin to venture forth.

Meanwhile, Ayaka trains in secret with Nyantan. Vicius summons the Four Saints to help train Touka's other classmates. Vicius warns them they will soon have a "grand" battle against the Demon Empire. Vicius Nyantan tells them they will soon depart for the Land of Golden-Eyed Monsters.

Figure 10 No Longer Allowed in Another World, Episode 9

Sensei sends the wolf who helped the orphanage back to Japan.

Episode 9 of No Longer Allowed in Another World begins with the party dragging Sensei through the desert to Dritten Temple. They're approached by Huntsmen, Other Worlders who try to poison Sensei, but instead get poisoned themselves. They arrive at Nir's orphanage and learn of a Wolf that stalks around the area at night. At night, Nir meets the man who's been donating food anonymously to the orphanage, and the next day he and Nir father more food together. That evening the Huntsmen kidnap one of the orphans, Nate. The food donor transforms into a Wolf in front of Nir and slaughters the Huntsmen. Nir draws his sword to defend them, and the Wolf returns to his human form. He tells him a story of how a boy who showed him kindness was bullied because of it and he fled. Sensei tells him he's weak for fleeing, but he's still a kind man, willing to protect the orphanage. With this knowledge, Sensei is able to complete his story and send the man back to Japan.

Figure 11 Spice & Wolf, Episode 22

Lawrence and Holo speak with Elsa regarding Father Franz's pagan legends.

Episode 22 of Spice & Wolf begins with Holo and Lawrence dropping by Elsa's church to confirm that it is, in fact, Diendran Abbey, and that Father Franz went by a different name: Louis Lana Schtinghilt. Holo reveals she herself is a pagan deity and Elsa faints. When she awakens, Lawrence against asks for his collection of Paga stories, and Holo explains she's looking for her hometown. Together, the three enter a secret passage behind the main alter and find a hidden library, and Lawrence and Holo begin reading through the available books. The collection of pagan tales, coupled with Holos presence, cause Elsa to question if her god is false. Evan arrives and they all four eat dinner together, and afterwards Lawrence asks Holo what she'll do after she finds her hometown. She tells him she's unsure. While reading through Franz's books, he finds a note indicating Franz firmly believed a specific pagan bear god existed due to its persistent appearance in many different stories. A group of villagers arrive at the church large at night to confront Holo and Lawrence. Someone in Enberch has died from eating their wheat.

Figure 12 Midnight Punch, Episode 9

The Mayonaka's arrive at Misaki's house to film a video.

Episode 9 of Midnight Punch begins with Masaki taking a week off to stay with her family. In her absence, she asks the Mayonakas to make vlogs, but they're boring. Her sister, Sakura, agrees. The Mayonakas arrived unannounced to Masaki's house. They decide to hatch a plan to film at Masaki's house, with Live pretending like it's her childhood home, roping Sakura into the video too, where she pretends to be Live's little sister. But this doesn't work, and the different Mayonakas pretend to be Sakura's sister, all awkwardly and with little to no chemistry in their interactions. Instead, we see Sakura express a lot of her negative feelings for Masaki. Sakura asks if she doesn't want to be in videos following the scandal, but she tells her she enjoys working behind the scenes now. At the end of the episode, Sakura asks for the Mayonaka's autographs, including on from her sister, Masaki.

Figure 13 I Parry Everything, Episode 10

They heal the dragon of calamity and prepare to chase the fleeing Emperor.

I Parry Everything Episode 10 begins with Noor's side of the battle at the end of Episode 9. He parries all their weapons and siege equipment. When he encounters the emperor he wonders why an old man is on the battlefield. Noor eventually collapses from exhaustion. And, just as he's surrounded by soldiers, Gilbert, Alma, the other instructors who taught Noor arrive to save him. They all recognize him. Noor informs them the Emperor fled, and informs they they can ask the dragon Noor defeated earlier for help. It agrees, and everyone boards the dragon to chase after the emperor. As they depart, the trainers are ashamed they turned away Noor all those years ago. The catch up to the Emperor at the border between their territory and Empire controlled territory. Ines uses her power to destroy the Empire's defenses, and vow to pursue the emperor and end the war.

Figure 14 A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero, Episode 11

Slyphy and Luceria transfer a health potion to Takagi.

Episode 11 of A Nobody's Way Up to an Exploration Hero begins with Kaito returning home exhausted after spending all day searching for a healing elixir in the dungeon. While in the hospital, Hikari vows to reach Floor 41 and find Katsuragi's father. Takagi, Airi, and Miku continue to explore the dungeon to find an elixir. Eventually, Takagi decides to explore the deeper levels by himself. He, Sylphy, Luceria, and Bellia arrive at Floor 12 and get overrun by a stampede of boars. Bellia drags Takagi out while Luceria and Sylphy kills the remaining boars with a joint attack. Afterwards, Sylphy and Luceria drink a healing potions and transfer them to Takagi by kissing him. At the end of the episode, Takagi feels guilty he wasn't able to find an elixir for Hakari.

Figure 15 My Wife Has No Emotion, Episode 11

Takuma introduces Mina to his parents.

Episode 11 of My Wife Has No Emotion begins with Mamoru accidentally breaking a ceiling light. When Takuma leaves to buy a new one, Takuma's uncle enters his apartment and begins going through his things. When he does, Mina approaches him and calls him by his name: Koshiro. Mina tells him she is Takuma's wife. When Takuma arrives home, his uncle tells him he needs to get a real girlfriend. Not a robot. Mina tells him how he and Takuma behave is between them. The next day, Takuma decides introduce Mina to his parents. They tell Takuma they never expected him to marry a "real" woman or have children, and they treat Mina like a kitchen appliance. Shortly before dinner, Takuma's mother tells Mina that effort is required to make a family work, and together they enjoy the curry she makes.

Figure 16 Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?, Episode 9

Rath-IE, Hero of the Mythical Beasts, fights against Kyoko, Hero of the Spirits.

Episode 9 of Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? begins with a fight between the heroes of the mythical beasts and spirits: Rath=IE and Kyoko. Just as Kyoko trains to land a killing blow, the Last Riser appears and she's forced to flee. Kai and the others enter the land of Mythical Beasts traveling to the Yulan Federation. Jeanne warns the others it's possible the Mythical Beasts have already started their invasion. That evening they set up camp at a hot spring. Jeanne warns Kai that his weapon is not of this world, and it may be dangerous if it continues to use it. Kai tells Jeanne that the name "Sid" will cause the The Last Riser to switch from observation to assault mode. A behemoth attacks their camp late that night and Kai finds his weapon ineffective. During the fight, Kai is injured saving Rinne and the behemoth walks into an trap set by Reiren. In a dream, Kai and Jeanne her a voice calling to them. Kai, Rinne, and Jeanne, ask Reiren to take to a human-made building believed to be the source of the voice: a megalith. They arrive, and the voice tells them they have been chosen by fate.

Figure 17 Dahlia in Bloom, Episode 10

Dahlia and Ivano depart for the palace.

Episode 10 of Dahlia in Bloom begins with Dahlia and Wolfred testing a new magical bracelet that allows him to jump higher. After another day-drinking lunch, Dahlia shows Wolfred how to use her magical hair-dryer to quickly dry his boots and... reduce foot fungus. She proposes the modified hair-dryer to Ivano, along with several other devices she's been using around her tower. Ivano warns her to be careful with one of her devices: a faux-magical sword. Later, Dahlia thanks Gabriella for helping her, and he told her she promised her father as much. Dahlia receives a visit from the vice captain of the monster suppression force who delivers a message from the Marquis: please visit the palace tomorrow. Gabriella gives them a crash course in etiquette, and as the episode ends she and Ivano depart for the palace.

Figure 18 Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Episode 10

Alya and Kuze go on a deito where they discuss their speec plans.

Episode 10 of Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian begins with Kuze making a bet with Alya: if he places in the top 30 Alya will reward him. Alya gets mad at him for not telling her about his birthday, and Kuze decides to throw a belated birthday party and invite her. That weekend the go on a deito, during which they discuss their closing speeches. At lunch Alya gives him a mug as a birthday president. Laster, Kuze apologizes to Masha for the hypnosis. Kuzes grandfather arrives at school for parent-teacher conferences, and they both meet Alya's mother as she leaves her conference. As they leave, Kuze sees his mother with Yuki.

Other Remarks

We're entering fall. I really enjoyed my coler (darker) walk this morning. I forgot how much I liked the cold. Fall and winter plans remain the same: piano, anime, calligraphy, games.